Submit AC-3 Forms by Feb. 12 to Enroll Looking for ways to reduce costs? You can act now to maximize the power of your Columbus Chamber membership with our workers' compensation programs. Chamber members in all industries have an opportunity to participate in multiple programs to reduce workers' compensation premiums through our partnership with CompManagement, Inc., a seasoned veteran of the Ohio workers' compensation industry serving and operating in Ohio since 1984. CompManagement administers several program options, including the Ohio group rating program. The group rating program enables small employers with better than average claim histories to combine claim expenses and rate calculations to take advantage of premium savings currently reserved for large employers. By participating in group rating, employers enjoy a much lower premium than could be attained on their own. Historically, groups administered by CompManagement have realized savings between 25 percent and the maximum discount allowed by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Nearly 500 Chamber members enrolled in the group rating program last year. "The Greater Columbus Arts Council receives a fantastic return on our investment as Columbus Chamber members," said Milton D. Baughman, president, Greater Columbus Arts Council. "Our participation in the workers' comp saving program alone saves us more than the cost of our membership fees, and Chamber programs allow us to be more visible in the community and make better connections with fellow members." To enroll, AC-3 (temporary authorization to review information) forms are due by Feb. 12. For a copy of the AC-3 and more information on the Chamber's workers' compensation savings programs, visit our member center.

Get Noticed in the 2010 Chamber Member Directory & Business Resource Guide

Production has begun on the 2010 Columbus Chamber Membership Directory and Business Resource Guide. The guide is used by the Chamber to share member information with those seeking to do business in the area, to fulfill information requests, and as a business-to-business sales tool and reference point for our corporate, civic, and educational partners.

You can make sure your organization is in the spotlight before key decision-makers by placing an ad in this valuable community resource. As a Chamber member, you receive special member-only advertising rates. Advertising space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the printed guide, we're adding an exclusive, online interactive book to our Web site. Each advertiser's ad will appear on the Chamber's site, which is viewed by more than 15,000 visitors each month. You also will have the option to have your online ad and membership listing linked directly to your Web site.

Vincent Direct, LLC, a Columbus-based company and leader in custom publishing, is partnering with the Chamber again to produce the directory. Contact Woody Vincent at 614.771.5440 to reserve your space by March 1.

Weigh In on How We Can Help You in 2010

The Columbus Chamber wants to know—how can we help your business save money and do more with less?

For many years, the Columbus Chamber's affinity programs have leveraged the clout of our more than 2,500 members to negotiate the best prices on products and services you need. Through our established partners, we already deliver significant member savings on office supplies, health insurance, workers' compensation plans, credit card services, and more.

What other programs could help your business now? We are working to broaden our savings programs and provide even more value to you. And your input is important to us.

This quick, three-question survey will take you just a moment to complete. Just click on this link to access it.

Please complete the survey before Feb. 5, 2010. We'll analyze the results and strive to develop new programs that meet our membership's demands.

Blue Chip Economic Forecast: Video Now Available Online

The Columbus Chamber's 11th Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast drew a packed house at the Columbus Metropolitan Club in January. According to the forecast, the Columbus economy is expected to resume growth in 2010. Year-to-year net is predicted to be 0.1 percent, or 800 jobs, compared to 1.8 percent decrease in 2009.

If you weren't able to make it to the event or just want to listen and learn again, take a look at this video from the forum—courtesy of the Ohio Channel. You can download the full report on our publications page.

The Columbus Blue Chip Economic Forecast is published by the Columbus Chamber. The forecast is a consensus derived from the independent forecasts of four area economists – Bill LaFayette, Ph.D., vice president, economic analysis, Columbus Chamber; Joseph Mandeville; George Mokrzan, Ph.D., vice president, senior economist, Huntington Bancshares, Inc.; and James Newton, Ph.D., chief economic advisor, Commerce National Bank.